Salthill woman Berina Kelly was highly commended for her jewellery products at SHOWCASE 2019, the Local Enterprise Showcase held in Dublin earlier this week.
Eight companies from Galway took part in the showcase at the RDS, where they had the opportunity to meet buyers from all over the world.
Berina Kelly Jewellery was highly commended by a panel of judges as part of the Showcase Best Products Awards.
The Salthill woman designs and makes exhibition and collectable pieces in precious metals, using contemporary applications.
She was one of eight Local Enterprise Office clients to attend the showcase; also at the event were Ambrose and Brid O’Halloran woodturning, Susan Meaney’s Burren Flower Fairies, Nicole Jackson of QBU accessories, Canvas to Candle by Bernice Cooke, artist Lorraine Fletcher, Niamh Daniels Scarves and Peppermint hand-made jewellery by Joanna Cronin.
The Local Enterprise Showcase was opened by Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, who met many of the businesses involved at the event.
Minster Humphreys TD said: “The quality of the work on display at Showcase is a testament to the vibrancy and diversity of the design and craft sector which makes an immense contribution to Ireland’s economy and culture and provides vital sustainable jobs in every region of the country.
“Export diversification is essential for the design and crafts sectors to build resilience.
“This annual fair offers ambitious Irish designers and makers eager to break into the export market or expand their existing international presence an unparalleled opportunity to connect with buyers from around the world and secure orders for the coming year, maximising the potential for future growth and job creation.
“I wish both exhibitors and buyers a very productive show and every success throughout 2019.”
The Galway businesses were selected by the Local Enterprise Office and were given the chance to meet over 2,500 buyer companies from 26 countries across the world.
The businesses worked closely with their Local Enterprise Office ahead of the event on selling techniques, stand preparation and marketing themselves at the event.
Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, said: “Showcase is central to the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland’s strategy of supporting client companies in the domestic market and building the international reputation and commercial potential of the Irish design and craft sector.
“Each year the show provides a unique platform for hundreds of designers and makers from across Ireland to meet and do business with domestic and international buyers, enabling them to potentially grow and scale up to extend their market reach.
“We are delighted to work in partnership with the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices in supporting and guiding client companies in their commercial development.
“Working together, our aim is to ensure our clients continue to grow, innovate and successfully compete at home and abroad and to support them in addressing the challenges and opportunities arising from Brexit while uncertainty continues in the marketplace.”
